36 CFR 7.27 - Dry Tortugas National Park.

(a)What terms do I need to know? The following definitions apply to this section only:

(1)Bait fish means any of the following:

(i) Ballyhoo (family Exocioetidae and genus Hemiramphus), other genus may be included in this family;

(ii) Minnow (families Cyprinodontidae, Peciliidae, or Aherinidae);

(iii) Mojarra (family Gerreidae);

(iv) Mullet (family Mugilidae);

(v) Pilchard (family Clupeidae); or

(vi) Pinfish (family Sparidae, genus Lagodon).

(2)Cast net means a type of circular falling net, weighted on its periphery, which is thrown and retrieved by hand, measuring 14 feet or less stretched length (stretched length is defined as the distance from the horn at the center of the net with the net gathered and pulled taut, to the lead line).

(3)Designated anchorage means any area of sand within one nautical mile of the Fort Jefferson Harbor Light.

(4)Dip net means a hand held device for obtaining bait, the netting of which is fastened in a frame. A dip net may not exceed 3 feet at its widest point.

(5)Finfish means a member of subclasses Agnatha, Chondrichthyes, or Osteichthyes.

(6)Flat wake speed means the minimum required speed to leave a flat wave disturbance close astern a moving vessel yet maintain steerageway, but in no case in excess of 5 statute miles per hour.

(7)Guide operations means the activity of a person, partnership, firm, corporation, or other entity to provide services for hire to visitors of the park. This includes, but is not limited to, fishing, diving, snorkeling, and wildlife viewing.

(8)Live rock means any living marine organism or assemblage thereof attached to a hard substrate, including dead coral or rock but not individual mollusk shells.

(11)Not available for immediate use means not readily accessible for immediate use (e.g., by being stowed unbaited in a cabin, locker, rod holder, or similar storage area, or being securely covered and lashed to a deck or bulkhead).

(12)Ornamental tropical fish means a brightly colored fish, often used for aquarium purposes and which lives in close relationship to coral communities, belonging to the families Syngathidae, Apogonidae, Pomacentridae, Scaridae, Blennidae, Callionymidae, Gobiidae, Ostraciidae, or Diodontidae.

(13)Permit, in the case of 36 CFR part 7.27, means an authorization in writing or orally (e.g., via radio or telephonically).

(14)Research Natural Area (RNA) at Dry Tortugas National Park means the 46-square-statute-mile area in the northwest portion of the park enclosed by connecting with straight lines the adjacent points of 82°51′ W and 24°36′ N, and 82°58′ W and 24°36′ N west to the park boundary, but excluding:

(i) The designated anchorage;

(ii) Garden Key, Bush Key and Long Key; or

(iii) The central portion of Loggerhead key including the lighthouse and associated buildings.

(15)Shrimp means a member of the genus Farfantepenaeus, Penaeus sp.

(b)Are there recreational fishing restrictions that I need to know? (1) Yes. After consulting with and obtaining the concurrence of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, based on management objectives and the park fisheries research, the Superintendent may impose closures and establish conditions or restrictions necessary pertaining to fishing, including, but not limited to, species of fish that may be taken, seasons, and hours during which fishing may take place, methods of taking, and size, bag, and possession limits. The public will be notified of any changes through one or more methods listed in § 1.7 of this chapter. In emergency situations, after consulting with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, the Superintendent may impose temporary closures and establish conditions or restrictions necessary, but not exceeding 30 days in duration which may be extended for one additional 30 day period, pertaining to fishing, including, but not limited to, species of fish that may be taken, seasons, and hours during which fishing may take place, methods of taking, and size, bag, and possession limits. In emergency situations where consultation in advance is not possible, the Superintendent will consult with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission within 24-hours of the initiation of the temporary closure or restriction.

(2) Only the following may be legally taken from Dry Tortugas National Park:

(i) Fin fish by closely attended hook-and-line;

(ii) Bait fish by closely attended hook and line, dip net, or cast net and limited to 5 gallons per vessel per day; and

(i) The Research Natural Area (RNA): Fish and fishing gear may be possessed aboard a vessel in the RNA, provided such fish can be shown not to have been harvested from within, removed from, or taken within the RNA, as applicable, by being stowed in a cabin, locker, or similar storage area prior to entering and during transit through the RNA, provided further that such vessel is in continuous transit through the RNA. Gear capable of harvesting fish may be aboard a vessel in the RNA, provided such gear is not available for immediate use when entering and during transit through the RNA and no presumption of fishing activity shall be drawn therefrom;

(ii) Garden Key moat;

(iii) Within any swimming and snorkeling areas designated by buoys;

(iv) Within 50 feet of the historic coaling docks;

(v) Helipad areas, including the gasoline refueling dock.

(4) The following are prohibited:

(i) Possessing lobster within the boundaries of the park, unless the individual took the lobster outside park waters and has the proper State/Federal licenses and permits. Vessels with legally taken lobster aboard which was taken outside the park may not have persons overboard in park waters. The presence of lobster aboard a vessel in park waters, while one or more persons from such vessel are overboard, constitutes prima facie evidence that the lobsters were harvested from park waters in violation of this chapter.

(ii) Taking fish by pole spear, Hawaiian sling, rubber powered, pneumatic, or spring loaded gun or similar device known as a speargun, air rifles, bows and arrows, powerheads, or explosive powered guns. Operators of vessels within the park must break down and store all weapons described in this paragraph so that they are not available for immediate use.

(iii) Use of a hand held hook, gig, gaff, or snare, except that a gaff may be used for landing a fish lawfully caught by hook and line when consistent with all requirements in this section, including size and species restrictions.

(iv) Taking, possessing, or touching any ornamental tropical fish or marine life except as expressly provided in this section.

(B) Other written agreement with the United States administered under this chapter.

(c)Are any areas of the park closed to the public? Yes. The following areas are closed to the public:

(1) The elkhorn (Acropora palmata) and staghorn (Acropora prolifera) coral patches adjacent to and including the tidal channel southeast of Long and Bush Keys and extending to 100 yards from the exterior edge of either patch;

(2) Hospital and Long Keys; and

(3) Areas that the Superintendent designates in accordance with § 1.5 and noticed to the public through one or more of the methods listed in § 1.7 of this chapter.

(3) Anchoring between sunset and sunrise is limited to the designated anchorage area at Garden Key.

(4)Vessels engaged in commercial fishing or shrimping must not anchor in any of the channels, harbors, or lagoons in the vicinity of Garden Key, Bush Key, or the surrounding shoals outside of Bird Key Harbor, except in cases of emergency involving danger to life or property. (Emergencies may include, adverse weather conditions, mechanical failure, medical emergencies, or other public safety situations.)

(f)What vessel operations are prohibited? The following vessel operations are prohibited:

(g)What restrictions apply to discharging materials in park waters? (1) Discharging or depositing materials or substances of any kind within the boundaries of the park is prohibited, except for the following:

(i)Research Natural Area: cooling water or engine exhaust.

(ii)Park Waters Outside the Research Natural Area:

(A) Fish, fish parts, chumming materials, or bait used or produced incidental to and while conducting recreational fishing activities in the park;

(B) Water generated by routine vessel operations (e.g., deck wash down and graywater from sinks, consisting of only water and food particles;

(C)Vessel cooling water, engine exhaust, or bilge water not contaminated by oil or other substances.

(2) The Superintendent may impose further restrictions as necessary to protect park resources, visitors, or employees. The Superintendent will notify the public of these requirements through one or more of the methods listed in § 1.7 of this chapter.

(h)What are the permit requirements in the park? (1) A permit, issued by the Superintendent, is required for all non-commercial vessels for which occupants are engaged in recreational activities, including all activities in the RNA. Permitted recreational activities include but are not limited to use of mooring buoys, snorkeling, diving, wildlife viewing, and photography.

(2) A permit, issued by the Superintendent, is required for a person, group, institution, or organization conducting research activities in the park.

(3)Vessels transiting the park without interruption shall not require a permit.

(i)How are corals and other underwater natural features protected in the park? (1) Taking, possessing, removing, damaging, touching, handling, harvesting, disturbing, standing on, or otherwise injuring coral, coral formation, seagrass or other living or dead organisms, including marine invertebrates, live rock, and shells, is prohibited.

(2)Vesseloperators are prohibited from allowing their vessel to strike, injure, or damage coral, seagrass, or any other immobile organism attached to the seabed.

(3)Vesseloperators are prohibited from allowing an anchor, chain, rope or other mooring device to be cast, dragged, or placed so as to strike, break, abrade, or otherwise cause damage to coral formations, sea grass, or submerged cultural resources.

(j)What restrictions apply on or near shipwrecks? (1) No person may destroy, molest, remove, deface, displace, or tamper with wrecked or abandoned vessels of any type or condition, or any cargo pertaining thereto.

(2) Surveying, inventorying, dismantling, or recovering any wreck or cargo within the boundaries of the park is prohibited unless permitted in writing by the Superintendent.

(k)How are aircraft operations restricted? (1) Landing an aircraft in Dry Tortugas National Park may occur only in accordance with a permit issued by the Superintendent under § 1.6 of this chapter.

(2) When landing is authorized by permit, the following requirements also apply:

(i)Aircraft may be landed on the waters within a radius of 1 mile of Garden Key, but a landing or takeoff may not be made within 500 feet of Garden Key, or within 500 feet of any closed area.

(ii) Operation of aircraft is subject to § 2.17 of this chapter, except that seaplanes may be taxied closer than 500 feet to the Garden Dock while en route to or from the designated ramp, north of the dock.

(iii) Seaplanes may be moored or brought up on land only on the designated beach, north of the Garden Key dock.

The National Park Service (NPS) amends its special regulation for off-road vehicle (ORV) use at Cape Hatteras National Seashore, North Carolina, to revise the times that certain beaches open to ORV use in the morning, to extend the dates that certain seasonal ORV routes are open in the fall and spring, and to modify the size and location of certain vehicle-free areas. The NPS was required to consider these changes by section 3057 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2015. The NPS also amends this special regulation to allow the Superintendent to issue ORV permits for different lengths of time than are currently allowed, and to remove an ORV route designation on Ocracoke Island to allow vehicle access to a soundside area without the requirement of an ORV permit.

The National Park Service (NPS) proposes to amend its special regulation for off-road vehicle (ORV) use at Cape Hatteras National Seashore, North Carolina, to revise the times that certain beaches open to ORV use in the morning, extend the dates that certain seasonal ORV routes are open in the fall and spring, and modify the size and location of vehicle-free areas. Consideration of changes to this special regulation was required by section 3057 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2015. The NPS also proposes to amend this special regulation to allow the Cape Hatteras National Seashore to issue ORV permits that would be valid for different lengths of time than currently exist, and to replace an ORV route designation on Ocracoke Island with a park road to allow vehicle access and pedestrian use of a soundside area without the requirement for an ORV permit.

2016-04-01; vol. 81 # 63 - Friday, April 1, 2016

81 FR 18821 - Special Regulations, Areas of the National Park Service, Golden Gate National Recreation Area, Dog Management—Extension of Public Comment Period and Corrections

The comment period for the proposed rule that published on February 24, 2016 (81 FR 9139), is extended. Comments must be received by 11:59 p.m. EDT on May 25, 2016.

36 CFR Part 7

Summary

The National Park Service is extending the public comment period for the proposed rule to amend its special regulations for Golden Gate National Recreation Area regarding dog walking. Reopening the comment period for 30 days will allow more time for the public to review the proposal and submit comments. This document also corrects Table 4 to § 7.97 in the proposed rule by removing the designation of Ocean Beach as a Voice and Sight Control Area for walking four to six dogs that was included by an administrative error. The proposed rule also contained a typographical error in the email address for persons to contact the NPS for further information. The correct email address is goga_dogmgt@nps.gov.

The National Park Service proposes to amend its special regulations for Golden Gate National Recreation Area regarding dog walking. The rule would apply to 22 locations within the park and would designate areas within these locations for on-leash and regulated ( i.e., voice and sight control) off-leash dog walking. Areas in these 22 locations that are not designated as open to dogs would be closed to dogs, except for service animals in accordance with National Park Service regulations. The rule would modify and, in some circumstances, relax the National Park System-wide pet regulations for these 22 locations. To the extent not modified by this rule, dog walking in all NPS-managed areas within the park would continue to be regulated under National Park System-wide pet regulations.

The National Park Service proposes to designate routes for, and manage off-road vehicle use within Cape Lookout National Seashore, North Carolina. Under the National Park Service general regulations, the operation of motor vehicles off roads is prohibited unless authorized by special regulation. The proposed rule would authorize off-road vehicle use at the Seashore through a permit system and establish operational and vehicle requirements.

The National Park Service is authorizing a solid waste transfer station near Stehekin, Washington, within the boundary of Lake Chelan National Recreation Area, that does not meet all the siting criteria of the general National Park Service regulations and accepts solid waste generated within the boundary of the recreation area from non-National Park Service activities.

80 FR 75022 - Special Regulations, Areas of the National Park System, Rocky Mountain National Park

Comments on the proposed rule and the notice of determination must be received by 11:59 p.m. EST on February 1, 2016.

36 CFR Part 7

Summary

The National Park Service proposes to amend the special regulations for Rocky Mountain National Park to allow bicycle use on a 2-mile segment of the East Shore Trail located within the park. A portion of this 2-mile segment will require trail construction activities to accommodate bicycles and is therefore considered a new trail that will be opened to bicycles. National Park Service regulations require promulgation of a special regulation to designate new trails for bicycle use off park roads and outside developed areas. National Park Service regulations require publication of notice in the Federal Register providing the public at least 30 days to review and comment on a written determination supporting bicycle use on an existing trail.

The National Park Service is amending its special regulations for Lake Meredith National Recreation Area to require permits to operate motor vehicles off roads, designate areas and routes where motor vehicles may be used off roads, create management zones that will further manage this activity, and establish camping, operational, and vehicle requirements. These changes will allow off-road vehicle use for recreation while reducing associated impacts to resources. Unless authorized by special regulation, operating a motor vehicle off roads within areas of the National Park System is prohibited.

The rule authorizes and allows for the management of bicycle use on certain new trails within Cuyahoga Valley National Park. The National Park Service general regulation pertaining to bicycles requires promulgation of a special regulation to authorize bicycle use on new trails constructed outside of developed areas.

The National Park Service proposes to authorize a solid waste transfer station near Stehekin, Washington, within the boundary of Lake Chelan National Recreation Area, that does not meet all regulatory siting criteria and accepts solid waste generated within the boundary of the recreation area from non-NPS activities. The proposed rule would authorize this transfer station, notwithstanding certain restrictions found in the general regulations governing solid waste disposal sites in units of the National Park System.

The National Park Service is making technical corrections to its regulations. In response to Congress's enactment of Title 54 United States Code, the rule corrects the authority citations. The rule fixes typographical errors and incorrect citations and cross-references. The rule removes a firearms provision that was vacated by court order in 2009 and adds language consistent with federal law governing the possession of firearms in National Park units. The rule removes an outdated reference to a designated airstrip at Lake Mead National Recreation Area that has been closed since 1987.

The National Park Service is planning to construct a paved, multi-use visitor path in Bryce Canyon National Park. The path will be approximately 6.2 miles long and be open to several uses, including running, walking, and bicycling. National Park Service regulations require promulgation of a special regulation to designate new routes for bicycle use off park roads and outside developed areas.

The National Park Service proposes to amend its special regulations for Lake Meredith National Recreation Area to require permits to operate motor vehicles off roads, designate areas and routes where motor vehicles may be used off roads, create management zones that would further manage this activity, and establish camping, operational, and vehicle requirements. These changes would allow off-road vehicle use for recreation while reducing associated impacts to resources. Unless authorized by special regulation, operating a motor vehicle off roads within areas of the National Park System is prohibited.

The National Park Service is proposing to construct a paved, multi-use visitor path in Bryce Canyon National Park. The path would be approximately 6.2 miles long and be open to several uses, including running, walking, and bicycling. National Park Service regulations require promulgation of a special regulation to designate new routes for bicycle use off park roads and outside developed areas.

Through the preparation of a Final Trail Management Plan, the National Park Service proposed to expand recreational bicycling opportunities in Cuyahoga Valley National Park. The Final Trail Management Plan evaluated approximately 10 miles of new, single-track, off-road bicycle trails in undeveloped regions of the park; 3.1 miles of new cross-country trails; and 1.35 miles of new connector, multi-use trails for bicycle use. The National Park Service general regulation pertaining to bicycles requires promulgation of a special regulation to authorize bicycle use on new trails constructed outside of developed areas.

2014-04-18; vol. 79 # 75 - Friday, April 18, 2014

79 FR 21876 - Areas of the National Park System; General Provisions, Resource Protection, Public Use and Recreation, Pets and Service Animals; Special Regulations of the National Park System, Olympic National Park, Isle Royale National Park

The National Park Service is proposing to define and differentiate service animals, from pets, domestic animals, feral animals, livestock, and pack animals, and describe the circumstances under which service animals would be allowed in a park area. Special regulations for Olympic National Park and Isle Royale National Park would be amended to conform with the proposed service-wide rule.

Through the preparation of a Multi-Use Trail Environmental Assessment, the National Park Service has decided to construct an unpaved, multi-use recreational trail in Lake Meredith National Recreation Area. The multi-use trail will be approximately 22 miles in length and be open to pedestrian and bicycle use only. National Park Service regulations require promulgation of a special regulation to designate new routes for bicycle use off park roads and outside developed areas. The multi-use trail will consist of five contiguous sections constructed in five phases, as resources become available. This multi-use trail will help address the lack of land-based recreational opportunities in the region; increase the availability of interpretive resources in the recreation area; provide a firebreak at the urban-wildland interface; and improve access for emergency response personnel.

2013-12-05; vol. 78 # 234 - Thursday, December 5, 2013

78 FR 73092 - Special Regulations; Areas of the National Park System, New River Gorge National River, Bicycling

This rule authorizes bicycle use on new and existing multi-use trails and administrative roads within the New River Gorge National River. The rule is necessary because the National Park Service general regulation for bicycle use requires publication of a special regulation when new trails are constructed outside of developed areas.

Through the preparation of a Multi-Use Trail Environmental Assessment, the National Park Service has decided to construct an unpaved, multi-use recreational trail in Lake Meredith National Recreation Area. The multi-use trail will be approximately 22 miles in length and be open to pedestrian and bicycle use only. National Park Service regulations require promulgation of a special regulation to designate new routes for bicycle use off park roads and outside developed areas. The multi-use trail will consist of five contiguous sections constructed in five phases, as resources become available. This multi-use trail will help address the lack of land-based recreational opportunities in the region; increase the availability of interpretive resources in the recreation area; provide a firebreak at the urban-wildland interface; and improve access for emergency response personnel.

The National Park Service amends the special regulations for Curecanti National Recreation Area, Colorado, to designate routes, water surfaces, and areas where snowmobiles or motor vehicles may be used off park roads.

2013-10-23; vol. 78 # 205 - Wednesday, October 23, 2013

78 FR 63069 - Special Regulations; Areas of the National Park System; Yellowstone National Park; Winter Use

The National Park Service is promulgating this rule to establish a management framework that allows the public to experience the unique winter resources and values at Yellowstone National Park. This rule includes provisions that allow greater flexibility for commercial tour operators, provide mechanisms to make the park cleaner and quieter than what has been allowed during the previous four winter seasons, reward oversnow vehicle innovations and technologies, and allow increases in visitation. It also requires snowmobiles and snowcoaches operating in the park to meet air and sound emission requirements and be accompanied by a guide.

2013-05-09; vol. 78 # 90 - Thursday, May 9, 2013

78 FR 27132 - Special Regulations of the National Park Service, Curecanti National Recreation Area, Snowmobiles and Off-Road Motor Vehicles

The National Park Service proposes to amend its special regulations for Curecanti National Recreation Area, Colorado, to designate routes, water surfaces, and areas where snowmobiles or motor vehicles may be used off park roads. Unless authorized by special regulation, the operation of snowmobiles and the operation of motor vehicles off road within areas of the National Park System are prohibited. The other existing special regulations for Curecanti National Recreation Area would remain in effect.

2013-04-16; vol. 78 # 73 - Tuesday, April 16, 2013

78 FR 22470 - Special Regulations; Areas of the National Park System; Yellowstone National Park; Winter Use

Comments must be received by June 17, 2013. Comments on the information collection requirements must be received by May 16, 2013.

36 CFR Part 7

Summary

The National Park Service is proposing this rule to establish a management framework that allows the public to experience the unique winter resources and values at Yellowstone National Park. This rule includes provisions that allow greater flexibility for commercial tour operators, provide mechanisms to make the park cleaner and quieter than what has been authorized during the previous four winter seasons, reward oversnow vehicle innovations and technologies, and allow increases in visitation. It also would require snowmobiles and snowcoaches operating in the park to meet air and sound emission requirements and be accompanied by a guide.

2013-03-07; vol. 78 # 45 - Thursday, March 7, 2013

78 FR 14673 - Special Regulation; Areas of the National Park System, National Capital Region, Demonstrations and Special Events

We, the National Park Service, are amending the regulations on demonstrations and special events for the National Capital Region. This rule revises the definition of “demonstration,” lifts the prior regulatory ban on soliciting money or funds but requires a permit for the in-person solicitation of money or funds on Federal park land, and revises an introductory sentence prohibiting demonstrations or special events in designated memorial areas. This rule also changes the name of the permit office to the Division of Permits Management.

2013-03-06; vol. 78 # 44 - Wednesday, March 6, 2013

78 FR 14447 - Special Regulations; Areas of the National Park System, Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area, Bicycle Routes

This rule designates certain multi-use pathways in Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area as routes for bicycle use. National Park Service general regulations require promulgation of a special regulation to designate new routes for bicycle use off park roads and outside developed areas. Several segments of multi-use pathways at Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area have been, or are planned to be, constructed to replace eroded social trails with a sustainable trail system. Allowing bicycling on the new trail system improves connectivity to regional trail networks, enhances opportunities for non-motorized enjoyment of the park, and encourages the use of alternate transportation by park visitors and staff.

This rule designates the Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail currently under construction within Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore as a route for bicycle use. The approximately 27-mile-long trail will generally parallel major state highways and offer visitors safe, non-motorized access to the park. National Park Service general regulations require promulgation of a special regulation to designate new routes for bicycle use outside developed areas or off park roads.

2012-12-12; vol. 77 # 239 - Wednesday, December 12, 2012

77 FR 73919 - Special Regulations; Areas of the National Park System, Yellowstone National Park

This rule implements the amended Record of Decision for the 2011 Winter Use Plan/Environmental Impact Statement and governs winter visitation and certain recreational activities in Yellowstone National Park for the 2012-2013 winter season. The rule retains, for one additional year, the regulation and management framework that have been in place for the past three winter seasons (2009-2010, 2010-2011, and 2011-2012). Specifically, the rule retains provisions that require most recreational snowmobiles operating in the park to meet certain National Park Service air and sound emissions requirements; requires snowmobiles and snowcoaches in Yellowstone to be accompanied by a commercial guide; sets daily entry limits on the numbers of snowmobiles (up to 318) and snowcoaches (up to 78) that may enter the park; and prohibits traveling off designated oversnow routes.

The National Park Service proposes to designate the Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail currently under construction within Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore as a route for bicycle use. The approximately 27-mile-long trail will generally parallel major state highways and offer visitors safe, non-motorized access to the park. National Park Service general regulations require promulgation of a special regulation to designate routes for bicycle use outside developed areas or off park roads.

2012-10-02; vol. 77 # 191 - Tuesday, October 2, 2012

77 FR 60050 - Special Regulations; Areas of the National Park System, Saguaro National Park, Bicycling

This rule designates the Hope Camp Trail as a route for bicycle use and allows for management of bicycle use within Saguaro National Park. Further, the rule meets the provision of the National Park Service general regulation pertaining to bicycles requiring promulgation of a special regulation to designate bicycle routes outside of developed areas.

This rule designates four bicycle routes within Mammoth Cave National Park to address the interest and demand of the visiting public for bicycling opportunities without compromising the National Park Service's mandate “to conserve the scenery and the natural and historic objects and the wild life” in the park. This rule will implement portions of the park's Comprehensive Trail Management Plan and satisfy the requirement of National Park Service general regulations that a special regulation be promulgated to allow off-road bicycle use on routes outside of developed areas. This rule allows bicycle use on a new Connector Trail in the vicinity of Maple Springs; a new Big Hollow Trail in the hilly country of the park north of the Green River; the Mammoth Cave Railroad Bike & Hike Trail; and the White Oak Trail.

2012-09-04; vol. 77 # 171 - Tuesday, September 4, 2012

77 FR 53826 - Special Regulations; Areas of the National Park System, Yellowstone National Park

This rule would implement an amended Record of Decision for the 2011 Winter Use Plan/Environmental Impact Statement and would govern winter visitation and certain recreational activities in Yellowstone National Park for the 2012-2013 winter season. The rule proposes to retain, for one additional year, the regulation and management framework that have been in place for the past three winter seasons (2009-2010, 2010-2011 and 2011-2012). Specifically, the rule would retain provisions that require most recreational snowmobiles operating in the park to meet certain National Park Service air and sound emissions requirements; require snowmobiles and snowcoaches in Yellowstone to be accompanied by a commercial guide; set daily entry limits on the numbers of snowmobiles (up to 318) and snowcoaches (up to 78) that may enter the park; and prohibit traveling off designated oversnow routes.

2012-08-27; vol. 77 # 166 - Monday, August 27, 2012

77 FR 51733 - Special Regulations; Areas of the National Park System, New River Gorge National River, Bicycle Routes

The National Park Service proposes to designate new and existing multi-use trails and administrative roads within the New River Gorge National River as bicycle routes. The rule is necessary because the National Park Service general regulation requires publication of a special regulation to designate routes for bicycle use when such use will be outside of developed areas and special use zones.

2012-07-10; vol. 77 # 132 - Tuesday, July 10, 2012

77 FR 40547 - Special Regulations; Areas of the National Park System, Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area, Bicycle Routes

The National Park Service proposes to designate certain multi-use pathways in Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area as routes for bicycle use. National Park Service regulations require promulgation of a special regulation to designate routes for bicycle use off park roads and outside developed areas. Several segments of multi-use pathways at Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area have been, or are planned to be, constructed as part of an effort to replace eroded social trails with sustainable trail systems. Allowing bicycling on the new trail system will improve connectivity to regional trail networks, enhance opportunities for non-motorized enjoyment of the park, and encourage the use of alternate transportation by park visitors and staff.

The National Park Service (NPS) is proposing to designate the Hope Camp Trail as a bicycle route within Saguaro National Park (Park). The National Park Service general regulation at 36 CFR 4.30(b) requires promulgation of a special regulation to designate bicycle routes outside of developed areas and special use zones.

2012-02-21; vol. 77 # 34 - Tuesday, February 21, 2012

77 FR 9852 - Special Regulations; Areas of the National Park System, Cape Cod National Seashore

The National Park Service is amending special regulations for Cape Cod National Seashore that authorize hunting to allow for a spring season hunt for Eastern Wild Turkey. The Final Rule implements the Record of Decision for the Cape Cod National Seashore Hunting Program Environmental Impact Statement of August 2007.

This rule designates off-road vehicle (ORV) routes and authorizes limited ORV use within Cape Hatteras National Seashore (Seashore) in a manner that will protect and preserve natural and cultural resources, provide a variety of safe visitor experiences, and minimize conflicts among various users. Under National Park Service (NPS) general regulations, the operation of motor vehicles off of roads within areas of the National Park System is prohibited unless authorized by special regulation.